LETTER: Making a 'Hail Mary' pass for youth

Sunday

Jun 11, 2017 at 2:01 AM

To the editor:

On February 18, 2010, by the grace of God, I incorporated a 501(c)(3), nonprofit youth mentoring Organization, RECRE.

During my journey to incorporating RECRE and to this day, I have faced many "Hail Mary passes for youth." Meaning that there were times when I had reach down deep in my soul and find my inner strength to continue believing that the goal of "helping children and parents of children ages 6 to 16, whose behavior have placed them at risk of being placed in the juvenile system and or the adult penal system, realize their potential of being as asset to themselves, their families and in their community," (RECRE's Mission Statement) because:

• In some conversation, I was told that the mission was unobtainable, leaving me to feel as if no one believed in my vision but me and God.

• And when I felt that I was at my least breath and, my last bit of strength from traveling through North Carolina asking parents and youth what they want in a youth mentoring organization.

• And at any second I was going to give up because this cause seemed too great.

Then, just at my "11th hour," that second just before my midnight, the moment I wanted to give up, a spirit way down deep in me reminds me the joy of doing for others is greater than any fear and tiredness that I will ever experience in this journey.

And when I felt like I could not go on, my faith in God went into overdrive and sustains me and reminds me to call upon Him who first gave me the vision and desire to help youth from experience from my own younger years.

And when I look back on those time I see that God had always had a team of supporters around me, letting me know that nothing I do I have to do by myself; there is a team He has set for me to reach out and send out a "Hail Mary pass" for youth.

I have said this as an introduction to the continued "Hail Mary pass for youth." My goal is to reach all 100 counties in North Carolina

I'm sending out a "Hail Mary Pass" to everyone and encouraging them to be a part of the first of many youth mentoring fairs that RECRE is conducting Sept. 30, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jack Amyette Recreation Center in Jacksonville, "Mentors In Our Community"

I prayerfully encouraging everyone to attend and be a part of RECRE's campaign of helping parents and youth, outreaching in the communities, partnering with other youth organizations and engaging youth in the community: H.O.P.E

There is no fee. The day has already been paid for. All that is needed are community youth mentors and youth organizations to be there, set-up your booth and inform the community about how you and your youth organization can help give hope to the youth.

Maureen Bennett

Jacksonville

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